STANDARD FORM NO. 64 
Office M.emorandum 
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT 
TO 
FROM 
Dr • Waldo L . Schmitt 
Research Associate 
DATE: 
November 24, 1958 
SUBJECT: 
Smithsonian-Bredin Expedition next spring. 
Mrs. Pearson has told me about her conversation with you 
concerning this spring's expedition to be financed by Mr. and Mrs. J. 
Bruce Bredin. 
I do not yet have in my file a statement concerning the pr op- 
posed itinerary for the expedition, nor do I have a list of the individuals 
who will probably participate in the expedition, nor the length of time of 
the expedition. Mr. Bredin has also not yet made a gift to cover the cost 
of the expedition. At present there is $2,719.04 in the Bredin Fund. 
It is a standing policy of the Smithsonian not to proceed with 
commitments until there is clear legal evidence concerning the financial 
and program aspect of a proposed field trip. Before I can sign any letter 
or authorize any payment in regard to an expedition next spring it will 
be necessary to have a written outline covering in some detail the matters 
mentioned in the first paragraph of this memorandum. 
I am sure that you realize that I am not attempting to interfere 
in any way with what I know will be a worthwhile expedition, but I am 
merely carrying out procedures that I feel must be adhered to if we are to 
avoid possible legal complications. 
pM 
